Quote Originally Posted by Hmac View Post
Every case is different. The decision as to whether surgery is the right choice depends on a lot of variables, one that is far better left between you and your spine surgeon. Resist the temptation to base your treatment based on anecdotes from a gun forum on the internet.

Having said that, it is true that in many cases it's best to steer away from surgery.
Pretty much what I was going to say. Currently recooperating from a L5/S1 ordeal where it was beat to hell and I was in severe pain. I didn't have an option as my nerve was really bad off. As a result my road back has been slow to go. I'm getting there but still probably have a couple months to go on rehab to get back to full work. Mine was also way worse than the MRI showed at the time when he actually got in there.

If you can avoid it, do so. But if you can't dont. Schedule a visit with the doc and figure out what is best for YOU based on your specific situation.